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Anxiety Diet

Anxiety diet is recommended for those who suffer from anxiety, a condition which is both psychological and physiological, but mainly just psychological. The main characteristics of the condition are uneasiness, weariness and stress and these then warrant the psychological issues of sleeplessness and other prominent behavioral changes.

Although there are some traditionalistic schools of thought which do not believe that diet can make a difference in the condition, ample research has shown results which contradict this belief and doctors generally do come up with a specific diet plan for people suffering from anxiety.

Main Features of Anxiety Diet

Although an anti-anxiety diet is largely individualistic and doctors customize different plans for different people, some common inclusions are:

Thiamin or Vitamin B1: The vitamin helps promote healthy functionality of nerves and speeds the process of conversion of food and carbohydrates to energy thus raising levels of energy and activity. Avocados, tuna, Brazil nuts, pork, rice and mussels are some of the important B1 source foods.

Riboflavin or Vitamin B2: This vitamin improves the functionality of other B vitamins and also, it helps strengthen the immune system. Clams, milk, pork, mushrooms and lamb are rich in the vitamin.

Folic Acid: With its depression fighting properties, this is an always important part of the diet plan. Folic acid is replete in cabbage, turkey, avocados, spinach, broccoli and savoy.

Calcium: Calcium promotes normal functioning of nerve cells and also makes muscle contractions easier. Milk and broccoli are the leading calcium sources.

In addition, magnesium, Vitamins B6 and B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid and Biotin are essential parts of the Anxiety diet plan.

Foods to Avoid When Suffering from Anxiety

While there are various food aggravators of anxiety and its symptoms, caffeine, sugar and alcohol are the considered to be the most harmful and patients are greatly discouraged from consuming them.

Alcohol is a general depressant and is therefore known to worsen the symptoms of anxiety. It can even trigger huge panic attacks. Caffeine, on the other hand, is a major stimulator and research has shown that it can induce insomnia in anxiety patients. When awake for longer periods of time, people are more susceptible to attacks of panic and anxiety. Sugar is another stressor of anxiety and its symptoms. Its consumption, if not moderated, increases lactate levels in blood which leads to panic attacks.

Before following a diet plan for anxiety and panic attacks, it is always necessary to get in touch with a qualified doctor as an anxiety diet is almost always custom made.

References

To read more about diets followed to reduce anxiety, the following links may be visited: